Page 31 of Queen’s Gambit

“And what if you fall in love with whoever you’re forced to marry? What then?”

“I can’t make you believe me, but that’s impossible. When I look at you, it’s as if I’m staring into my soul. You have always been my only love, and that will never change.”

“I feel the same way. I don’t know what I’ll do, Eddie, if my father doesn’t agree to our marriage.”

I kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, and finally, her lips. We barely touched, but the spark and connection that had been between us from day one flared brightly. Ana moaned, and I shuddered. Before I lost myself completely to the feel of her, I broke away.

“We have two years to convince him to say yes. So, instead of focusing on what we can’t control, let’s pour all our effort into what we can?”

Ana took me by surprise and kissed me hard. My brain fried on the spot. I would do anything for her and already had started. I’d taken over businesses, strong-armed my way into more areas back home, created alliances with new families, and I would do a million more things until it was enough—until I was enough.

“Come back to my room with me,” Ana said breathlessly against my lips.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Ana. Us getting kicked out on your first night is not what I want, but you drive me insane.”

She nipped at my lip, her hands roaming over my body. “Ella said she didn’t care if you stayed the night.”

“You told her about us?”

“Oh…yes. Is she not a good person? Will she betray us?”

I sighed as I thought. There was nothing that I’d learned about Ella that screamed she was someone to be worried about, but that didn’t mean anything at Wayward.

“No, I think we can trust her,” I said, and Ana’s eyes lit up. God, she could warm me with just a simple look.

“Good, because I don’t just want to sleep.” I licked my lips, my body already agreeing with the idea. “Please, Eddie. I don’t want to be in my bed alone, and I’ve missed your touch,” she said, her voice luring me in and dripping with sweetness.

“You can get me to do anything. I’m powerless to say no to you,” I said, and Ana smiled.

That one look made all the risk worth it. Standing, I brought Ana to her feet with me and loved how she pressed her body into mine until there was no room between us.

“Perfect. It’s settled. You will stay with me the entire time we’re here together.”

“You’re dangerous, Ana, but I love it.”

She gave me a quick kiss before grabbing my hand and practically dragging me back to the dorms.

This was a terrible idea. I’d been able to control myself around Ana so far, but I wanted her like I wanted my next breath, and everything in me screamed to make her officially mine.

Yulianna – Three Weeks Later

“This is incredible,” I squealed as we pulled into the parking lot of the movie theater. I stared up at the glowing sign and couldn’t wait to get in there.

“You’ve really never been to the movies,” Marcus asked.

I shook my head.

“What the heck? I’ve heard of strict parents, but that’s just abuse,” he said.

“Shut up, Marcus,” Eddie said, jumping to my rescue. “Let’s go so we get good seats.”

I climbed out of his black SUV radiating excitement. I was still adjusting to the American dialect back home, it was an off-road vehicle. Ella choosing to stay behind in the dorms tonight made me sad, but I had been waiting for this experience my whole life.

Marcus, Paul, and Lawrence all knew about us, so Eddie and I were free to hold hands and kiss in front of them. I linked my fingers with his as soon as he walked around and closed my door for me. We walked inside, and my senses were completely overwhelmed with popping sounds, loud voices and dinging machines. It was incredible. I took a deep breath of the popcorn-filled air.

“Mmm, that smells amazing.”

“Here, go play some games in the arcade. I’ll get our tickets and a bunch of food for you to try,” Eddie said, handing me cash.